Joint British-French Aerial Assault Strikes Daesh Arms Cache in Syria
RAF Typhoon jets have conducted a mission with French warplanes in a coordinated attack targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syria used by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the UK's MoD.
The location, identified by reconnaissance, was assessed as storing arms and explosives, the announcement noted, and was located in mountainous terrain just above the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to target a series of entry passages providing entry to the site... early reports indicate the strike was effective," the ministry announced.
There was no evidence of any civilian impact in the operation conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The British jets were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
Daesh - alternatively referred to as Daesh - enforced jihadist rule over large swathes of both Syria and Iraq until 2019.
"This operation underscores British leadership, and resolve to work closely with our partners, to eliminate any resurgence of IS and their violent and radical beliefs in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey stated.
RAF aircraft have conducted surveillance missions over Syria to "forestall any attempted comeback" of Islamic State subsequent to its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the ministry said.
"I want to thank the personnel of the UK armed forces participating in this strike for their skill and their valour," he added. "Including them were a great many British personnel on duty over the festive period. This mission, to remove militants who threaten our way of life, highlights how British military are prepared to act, all year round, keeping Britain secure domestically and powerful internationally."
In December, the American forces conducted what it described as a "large-scale strike" against IS targets in Syria, following an ambush killed two US servicemembers and a civilian linguist in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. reports Daesh still maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 militants in Iraq and Syria.
